The Best of Designer Handbags and Purses

Designer bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They can also be a good investment. If you buy an old-fashioned bag and maintain it with care its value will increase with time.

To help you make the best selection, we've compiled a list of go-to designers to think about. We gathered information from trusted luxury resale sites like Rebag, The RealReal, and What is Going Round Comes Around.

Designer Bags: A Short History

As women began to work outside the home and gained more independence in the 1900s, handbags were fashionable as well as a useful tool to carry money, makeup and other necessities. Bags evolved from pouches that were worn around the waist as early as Ancient Egypt through a series of changes in both design and function to what we recognize as designer handbags.

In the 1950s that bags took a turn from being practical to becoming a status symbol as more designers came onto the market. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes quickly earned an image of elegant, stunning bags that were sought after by socialites. The popularity of branded bags led to the creation of iconic designs that are still seen in many outfits today.

During WWII the designs of purses were altered slightly as manufacturers employed less metal in the production of bags for the war. After the war, young people were given more freedom and the rules for what a woman could carry around relaxed. Bags that were considered unfashionable in the past, such as drawstring bags made of plastic or wicker, became fashionable since women were able to play around with their personal style.

The 60s witnessed the rise of hippie culture and youth attitudes that influenced fashion trends and an array of new designs for bags were developed. Designers took advantage of the imagination and creativity of the 60s using leather, vinyl, chainmail, and chains. These new designs were influenced in part by Op Art, space exploration and the carefree libertine attitude of the time.

Designer bags returned to the fashion scene in the 1990s. Designers reworked classic designs, such as the structured, boxy purse to create more modern and modern styles. The YSL Muse bag, for instance, was a huge hit in the decade and is still seen on the arms of models and celebrities today.

designer handbags cheap bags are named after famous people. When they are well-known, sales rise. For example, Hermes bags were named after Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. These bags became a sought-after accessory for women who wanted to replicate their style. When a new fashion becomes a 'it bag', it can take weeks, even months to get your hands on one due to the demand.

Iconic Designer Bags

In contrast to many trends in fashion, which come and go at breakneck speed Classic designer bags have a lifespan that can last for decades. These timeless, sought-after staples are a great investment for those who can't live without the latest designer bag and want to bring some timeless style to their wardrobe.

One of the most recognizable designer bags is the Hermes Birkin. The iconic bag, named after actress Jane Birkin and launched in 1984, gained fame by the arm of princess Grace Kelly who carried it over her stomach during the early stages of her pregnancy. Today, the Birkin is a highly sought-after item with year-long waitlists and is regarded as one of the most recognizable designer bags of all time.

Givenchy's Antigona Lock Bag, in box leather with large handles and a bohemian vibe, Chloe Marcie, with its bohemian flair, and Givenchy Pandora Bag, with its box-inspired design and tassels as well as references to Greek mythology. The Celine Luggage tote, which came into the spotlight after being worn by celebrities and influential people, is another recognizable designer bag that's also growing in popularity with millennials.

Valentino's Rockstud tote bag was a popular fashion accessory. However the brand has since shifted away from its signature style. Instead, it has released other iconic bags such as the rectangular Galleria Saffiano and the contemporary Cleo. Miu Miu's Metalasse bag with its ruched style is a reimagined version of the aughts style bag. It was featured on many runways over the last season.

The brand was founded in 1952. The brand was a pioneer of fashion-forward clothes that had couture details and its signature feminine but casual aesthetic is evident in the bags it offers. The Miu Miu Mia Gigi Bag is a tribute to the brand's most popular model, and its supple leather and gold chain strap will instantly elevate any look.

If you prefer a minimalist style Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Knot clutch takes eight hours to weave the leather using a method known as intrecciato. It is a technique that is exclusive to the Italian label. The sleek shape of the bag and minimalist hardware provide a perfect balance between practicality and elegance.

Designer Bag Brands

If you are a fashion enthusiast and know what you want, purses can be more than just functional items. A designer handbag is an accessory that shows you are a trendsetter with impeccable taste and fashion. Designer bags are constructed with high-quality materials and have distinctive design.

While the iconic designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are household names but there are many more fashion houses that make their mark with beautiful handbags. For instance, a luxury fashion brand like Tory Burch is known for feminine women's apparel and accessories that exude sophistication and classic American style. The bags of the brand also are a perfect blend of function and fashion. The signature elements are the double-T logo and classic silhouettes.

Proenza Schouler, Valentino and other luxury fashion brands have also made a name for themselves in the world of designer bags. Proenza Schouler was founded in 2002 and is a modern fashion brand that is known for its distinctive designs and CFDA-awarded designs. Designer bags by the brand offer a modern twist on classic shapes. Examples include the Gilda Mini-Box bag and Antigona Tote. Valentino is a posh fashion label founded in 1959 is one of the oldest brands in the world. The brand is famous for its feminine women's clothes and high-end bags such as the Gabrielle Hobo Bag and the Pandora Bag from Givenchy.

Other brands have also designed their own bags with designer labels that have become cult favorites. Staud, an Los Angeles based brand, founded in 2018, has gained recognition for its modern and playful approach to bag design. The brand's bags have an unique blend of class and whimsy, making them popular among fashion-conscious young ladies and influencers.

There are a variety of designer bag brands that have made a mark in the world of fashion, including Moschino and online designer handbag outlet Vivrelle Collective. Vivrelle Collective offers a luxury rental service that lets you rent designer bags according to the season. The Online Designer Handbag Outlet bags offered by the company are an array of modern and classic designs and comes with an array of colors and sizes. The company also has a range of vegan bags that are becoming more popular with fashion designers.

The Best Designer Bags

A designer bag can be an essential accessory to your wardrobe. The season's best designer bags come in a range of shapes, styles and colors and are suitable for every occasion. This selection includes a few new pieces that have excited fashion experts, as well as some staples that have remained coveted for a long time.

According to a resale statistics report by The RealReal, the most popular designer bags of 2019 are Chanel bags (including the Gabrielle and the Boy Bag), Louis Vuitton bags (including the Celine Luggage and Phantom Bag) and Gucci bags (including the Jackie O and Sukey Tote). The Hermes Birkin bag and Prada Saffiano Tote are still popular with the public and the critics.

For a more contemporary designer bag, you can look at Bottega Veneta's Jodie Bag. The bag is made of the iconic intercciato from the brand however, it has a twist. The strap is tied with knots to add some interest to the design. The bag comes in various colors however the black version with gold YSL logo is the most popular.

Another bag to consider is the Loewe's Puzzle bag which combines functionality with sculptural geometry. The bag is described as "a masterpiece" by its designer the geometric-shaped designer bag reportedly requires 75 separate leather parts and a whole amount of expertise to make. Beyonce, Sienna Miller and other style influencers adore the bag.

Yves Saint Laurent, another designer brand, has also seen its products featured on front rows of fashion week, including the LouLou toy bag. The name is a tribute to the muse of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this simple yet impressive crossbody bag is both practical and timeless due to its quilting that is directional.

Many celebrities have been seen in bags by other designers, including Alexander McQueen. Selena Gomez and Naomi Campbell are just a few examples. The Heroine bag is a boxy but feminine design that can be your new favorite designer bag.

These bags will add a touch of elegance to your outfit, whether you're looking to upgrade to a party-ready McQueen bag or want to create a sartorial statement by adding the Chanel bag. From trending shoulder bags and carry-everywhere satchels to roomy designer backpacks, the collection of designer bags available at Saks is sure to provide something for anyone.